- Joining forces with charities, broadcasters and a range of partners, the campaign will encourage pensioners to check their eligibility and apply
- Up to 880,000 pensioners could be missing out on this cash boost worth on average up to £3,900 per year
Hundreds of thousands of pensioners are being urged to apply for a benefit that could be worth on average £3,900 per year as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is launching a campaign to increase Pension Credit take-up on Monday 2 September.
With as many as 880,000 pensioners missing out, the Pension Credit Week of Action aims to spread awareness and increase claims for Pension Credit, which from this year will also automatically passport eligible pensioners to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
Joining forces with charities, broadcasters, Local Authorities, and a range of partners, the campaign will tackle myths that may prevent people applying, for instance having a small private pension, savings or owning their own home.
Families, friends and neighbours are being encouraged to reach out to retired family members to encourage them to check their eligibility and apply. 21 December is the last possible date to make a successful backdated claim in order to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
While around 1.4 million pensioners are already receiving Pension Credit, up to an estimated 880,000 households are eligible for the support but are not claiming it.
Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, said:
The £22 billion blackhole inherited from the previous governments means we are having to take tough decisions now to fix the foundations of our economy – including making the Winter Fuel Payments available to those most at need.
1.3 million pensioners are already going to get help with fuel bills this year because they’re claiming pension credit – but thousands more are eligible. So, if you know someone who could get pension credit and help with their fuel bills, now is the time to help them apply for pension credit.
Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall said:
Thousands of pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit worth on average £3,900 per year. That needs to change.
It’s easier than ever to check if you are eligible, including with our online calculator, and if your circumstances have changed since the last time you looked – I urge you to check again.
Friends, families and neighbours can also encourage their loved ones to apply, so that they are not missing out on this vital benefit.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:
The legacy of failure on energy policy we have inherited means energy prices are set to rise in autumn. We must ensure that pensioners in the greatest need get access to help with rising bills.
We will do everything in our power to increase take up of Pension Credit to the 880,000 households who are yet to claim – opening the door to other vital support such as the Winter Fuel Payment.
The government will also continue our mission to deliver clean power by 2030, helping to finally give families the energy security they deserve and our country the energy independence we need.
Pensioners whose weekly income is below £218.15 for a single person or £332.95 for a couple should check to see if they are eligible for this support which is worth £3,900 a year on average, using DWP’s online calculator.
People with a severe disability, carers and those who are responsible for a child or young person who lives with them could get more. Pension Credit can also include extra amounts for certain housing costs, such as ground rent or service charges.
This work is part of a wider plan to ensure economic stability for pensioners by protecting the Triple Lock and supporting households with their energy bills through the £150 Warm Home Discount and the Warm Homes Plan – upgrading millions of homes this Parliament.
Over the next five years, more than 12 million pensioners could see their State Pension increase by over a thousand pounds as a result of the commitment to the Triple Lock.
Background
- Applications for Pension Credit can be made:
- On the How to Claim page
- Over the phone by calling 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm)
- By printing out and filling in a paper application form
- For more information visit the Pension Credit GOV.UK page.
- The Winter Fuel Payment is worth £300 for households with someone aged 80 or over. Households with someone aged 66-79 will receive £200.
- We will work with Local Authorities to bring together the administration of Pension Credit and Housing Benefit as soon as operationally possible.
- People who have reached State Pension age before September 23, 2024 and are in receipt of Pension Credit, Income Support, Income based JSA, Income related ESA, Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit, will be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment – subject to eligibility conditions.
- The regulations to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment will be laid on 22 August 2024. The qualifying week in 2024 for Winter Fuel Payments will be from 16 to 22 September.
- Pensioners need to be entitled to Pension Credit for at least one day in week September 16 to 22 to be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment for this winter.
- 21 December is the last date for backdating a claim for Pension Credit to 22 September, assuming the claimant met the Pension Credit entitlement conditions throughout the previous three months.
- Anyone who is entitled to Pension Credit for at least one day of the Winter Fuel Payment qualifying week will have automatic entitlement to Winter Fuel Payment. There are some exceptions which are detailed on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/eligibility
- People do not have to do anything extra to backdate their claim. If they make their application online, they will automatically be asked if they would like to backdate it. If they make their application over the phone the advisor will talk them through this.
- Around 1.3 million households in England and Wales will continue to receive Winter Fuel Payments due to some other pensioner households being eligible and expected extra Pension Credit take up due to this reform.
Pension Credit recipients by region (as of February 2024):
| North East | 73,883 |
|---|---|
| North West | 175,179 |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | 118,633 |
| East Midlands | 95,767 |
| West Midlands | 130,427 |
| East of England | 110,017 |
| London | 190,496 |
| South East | 147,763 |
| South West | 111,251 |
| Wales | 80,927 |
| Scotland | 125,136 |
Further Information
Supportive statements:
- Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert, said:
It’s a national tragedy that nearly a million eligible low-income pensioners who’ve paid into the system for years are still missing out on the crucial Pension Credit financial lifeline – a better name for it would be the State Pension Top Up.
So whatever your age, take a second to understand how it works, so we can all ensure the message is spread to every nook and granny (and grandpas too). Especially as the government has just severed Winter Fuel Benefits eligibility for millions, yet if you claim Pension Credit you’ll still get it.
While for most single pensioners, you need total weekly income, including from savings, under around £218 (pensioner couples under £333) to be very likely to qualify, my rule of thumb is spend a few minutes to check even with weekly income up to £235 (pensioner couples £350) as there’s still a chance some may be eligible.
“Pension Credit can pay out £1,000s a year, but even if it’s only going to pay you thruppence, still claim it! As once you get it, it’s a gateway benefit that opens the door to other entitlements – including council tax reductions, free TV licences (if age over 75) dental and optical support and more.
- Sir Steve Webb, Partner at pension consultants LCP and former Pensions Minister, said:
> I would encourage anyone on a tight budget to consider an application for Pension Credit.
It can be claimed over the phone and could be the gateway to a range of valuable additional benefits, including reductions in energy bills, extra support when the temperature drops, free TV licences for those aged 75+ and continued receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment.
Even if you are not sure if you will be entitled, it is worth putting in a claim, especially for those who are disabled or carers and might be entitled to additional amounts.
- Juliet Tizzard, Director of External Relations at Parkinson’s UK said:
Parkinson’s UK is pleased to support the DWP in raising awareness of Pension Credit, which is a vital resource for older people on low incomes living with conditions like Parkinson’s.
We know that very few people with Parkinson’s and their carers who are entitled to Pension credit, actually claim it. Our recent survey found that only 6% of eligible respondents received Pension Credit, leaving many without access to additional entitlements that could ease the financial strain of living with Parkinson’s.
With the Winter Fuel Payment soon only being granted to those receiving Pension Credit, it’s more important than ever for everyone of pension age and above to check whether they are eligible to claim it.
This Week of Action is crucial to raise awareness of Pension Credit and we urge everyone of pension age to check their eligibility to ensure they can access the support they are entitled to.
- Sarah Pennells, Consumer Finance Specialist at mutual pensions provider, Royal London, said:
Pension Credit is a valuable benefit for anyone over State Pension age who is on a low income. But with an estimated 880,000 people missing out, it’s important that anyone who thinks they may qualify for it, or anyone who thinks a family member may qualify, puts in a claim.
Pension Credit not only provides additional tax-free income, but, because it’s a ‘gateway’ benefit, means that people who are eligible may also qualify for help with housing costs such as rent and council tax, as well as energy bills through the Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment.
Our research shows that one in five people over State Pension age are living on the State Pension alone, with many thousands not entitled to the full amount for a variety of reasons. Pension Credit could make a big difference to their standard of living in retirement.
If you have a family member or friend over State Pension age, they could be missing out on tax-free payments worth thousands of pounds a year.
- Nigel Peaple, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA), said:
> Pension Credit can provide vital support to low-income pensioner households, but many people don’t claim it.
If you think you, or someone you know, might be eligible, call the Pension Credit claim line, write to the Pension Service or put in an application on the Government website. Help spread the word; it could make a world of difference to someone.
- A British Gas spokesperson said:
> Pension Credit Week of Action is the perfect opportunity to remind our customers of the vital support available to them. We are committed to ensuring pensioners are informed about their eligibility for Pension Credit and the additional help it provides. Our ‘You Pay: We Pay’ initiative further supports this by doubling contributions to help manage energy costs. By reaching out directly to customers who may be struggling, offering access to grants through the British Gas Energy Trust, and offering face-to-face advice through our Post Office partnership, we aim to make it easier for pensioners in need to access essential support.
- Jackie Spencer, Head of Money and Pensions Policy at the Money and Pensions Service, said:
One in three people who are entitled to Pension Credit don’t claim and, if you’re one of them, you could be missing out on extra income per year.
It’s important to find out if you’re eligible for Pension Credit as it can not only help with your day-to-day living costs, but it can also entitle you to other grants, benefits and discounts. For example, households claiming Pension Credit can get a Winter Fuel Payment and Housing Benefit.
- Jonathan Bland, Head Geek at Pension Geeks and founder of the Pension Awareness Campaign, said:
> With the Pension Season upon us, there is never a more fitting time to check whether or not you could be eligible for Pension Credit.
You might be surprised – if you own a home, or have savings – you could still be entitled to the payment. It can also open the door to additional help with housing costs and heating bills, etc. Hundreds of thousands of people of people are missing out, so I’d urge everyone to take a few moments to check.
